A reoccurring theme in my work has been OPEN and CLOSED. When I am OPEN to life, I soar..... when I am CLOSED to life ... I don't... it's really as simple as that. May I be open today and this week... and the same goes for you.

I have a gorgeous leather sketchbook I do something creative every day. These sketches are like my 'warm ups' to get me in the vortex of creating. It seems this practice is really working for me - -- what practices are working for you?

Tomorrow night my piece 'Vertical Fleurs' will be auctioned off for the North Branch Land Trust annual dinner auction- Barb Romansky says there are still seats available for the grand event which has many special touches and surprises.... Please call 570-696-5545 for reservation!

Rob Friedman had vision when he reopened the Beaumont Inn - and people are showing up to take part in wonderful food on the outdoor patio, in the dining area, bar area and now the newly renovated wine cellar. The setting is so beautiful we decided to bring some of the outside "in" with a view from the gardens looking back to the inn.

The opposite wall showcases the talents of Cindy Trudgen with the look being as if you were in an actual wine cellar with barrels of wine. Many people are booking special occasion - from Anniversary dinners, showers and weddings. Thanks Rob!

"Only what has been covered up many times can emerge, immersed, brought up, immersed, brought up, until it flowers and blooms and becomes in its own radiance, spells out its own creative meaning and LIVES. Only then can we stop our making, let it FLY on its own as all things mean and are meant to soar in spirit, for FREEDOM is the ground from which we rise, nor should we ever limit the horizon, imagination infinitely expands and gives up room for ceaseless change and endless growth."

Recently I went to the Guggenheim in New York to see the Christopher Wool exhibit which I enjoyed but was completely taken by a side gallerly curated by Lauren Hinkson named "Lasting Images". The piece that drew me in by Mona Hatoum was vertical wires suspended in a cube which shifted and changed as you walked along side it. On closer inspection you saw the the wire were actually barbed wire.... "it's ethereal form belies a forboding presence."

Lately my commissons have been a co-creating experience. The client wanted something that would stand the test of time for her husband. He loves ... I mean really loves MUSIC and plays the guitar - this is how he unwinds in his 'mans cave'. So we came up with a close up of a guitar with some special meaning obscured in the center plus his birth date. The verdict... he can't stop talking about it.....

Julia Cameron has written many books which help cultivate creativity. Yes - a blank canvas is still exhilarating and scary - until I begin... and then it's ok. All ok.

Looking over some questions from her book Walking in This World which I answered in 2007, I was once again reassurred that I am doing what I believe I was called to do.

Here are some of the questions:

1. When I was a small child, I dreamed of growing up to be ..... artist2. In my childhood , my interest in what art was encouraged? .... painting/ drawing
3. In my childhood, my interest in what art was discouraged? .....none
4. If I had had more encouragement, I would have probably tried .... not applicable5. The teacher who helped me see my gifts was ......Mrs. Hand and Peter Cox
6. The childhood friend who helped me see my gifts was .... Beth

There is some great art to be seen in Northeastern Pa - If you are able to get out and about this weekend - super shows at Afa and Art Works and the Hope Horn Gallery at University of Scranton as well as the Lindner Gallery at Marywood. All part of the biannual show - here are some pieces that piqued my interest -

The space is amazing - the food divine and it was a real treat to see the Eiffel Towers out of the studio and up on the walls - I am looking forward to future lunches and dinners there - and perhaps even a weekend brunch.

Mural for Norhteastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Hanover Street , Wilkes Barre, Pa
When I ring the Singing Bowl my aunt and uncle gave me, I realize the power of that sound. Somehow the sound permeates the walls and joins another vibe in the universe which grounds me to the present moment. I recently did this mural for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The image reminds me of the crossing of the senses which often is heightened through and by art.

After and Before..... Market Street Murals for Allstate and A Shoe Boutique by Arch Comfort......
Last week was a perfect week to be painting the murals on Market Street Kingston, Pa.
The idea started when Ivan and Cheri of 'Shoe Boutique' wanted to put their shop on the map. They have great shoes- what makes them 'great' is they are comfortable and cool. Now when people are driving by - they will take note of two businesses that were otherwise fading into the background. Like my dad always said " it's amazing what a little paint can do..... !"

I am painting with two artists from Romania- one from Moldova - and twenty from Turkey. We are being sponsored by Summa company and by Pittson, PA based Linde International, Inc. The images are of us painting in a mall - Mall Dova - in Moldova. We each have a big canvas to create whatever we want which will be sold to help a local art school.

Yesterday Aylin from Turkey remarked that people looked like their paintings – and she's right!

In 2005 I was invited along with seven other American artists to paint with eight Turkish Artists at Wilkes University, Pa. This amazing opportunity was sponsored by Linde Enterprises Inc which is affliated with SUMMA- an internationall contruction company based in Turkey. The head of SUMMA- Mete Bora - loves artists and providing opportunites for artists to gather, paint, and exchange ideas. Scott Linde recently (I mean really recently) asked if I would like to participate in a Summa Art seven day painting excursion in Mondolva - and I said .... YES!! So tomorrow I go - every so often the stars line up - thank you Scott, thank you Mete Bora....... - Mondolva- ..... here I come!